Pantomime trip ends in broken ankle and dramatic rescue for former Derry Mayor

Former Derry Mayor, Colr. Kevin Campbell, pictured receiving gas and air after he slipped and broke his ankle on his way to help out at a local pantomime on Sunday. Included in the photo are friends Colm Moore (left) and Brian Friel.

Andrew Quinn

A festive trip to the local pantomime resulted in a broken ankle and a dramatic rescue for former Mayor of Derry, Kevin Campbell.

Sinn Fein Councillor, Kevin Campbell, was on his way to the TRIAX pantomime, ‘Freezin’, in Long Tower Youth Club when he slipped and broke his right ankle.

“I was about three quarters of the way down when I slipped. All I remember is both legs in the air and hearing a crack,” said Colr. Campbell.

Colr. Campbell had taken a well-known shortcut through a wooded area near Southway when he slipped. Stranded and alone, Colr. Campbell was able to use his mobile phone to raise the alarm.

“I am glad I had the mobile with me because if I didn’t I could still be lying there,” he said.

“I rang the wife and I had to do my best to explain to her where I was. My wife and two friends eventually found me lying in the grass - they rang 999.”

Former Derry Mayor, Colr. Kevin Campbell, pictured receiving gas and air after he slipped and broke his ankle on his way to help out at a local pantomime on Sunday. Included in the photo are friends Colm Moore (left) and Brian Friel.

Two paramedics from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) arrived and treated Colr. Campbell at the scene.

The location of the incident was remote and as a result of heavy rainfall the ground was soft and slippery.

“The paramedics then had to ring the fire brigade for help with carrying me down the banking. When the fire fighters arrived, I was put on a stretcher and they started to carry me down the hill to the ambulance. The ground was that bad that one of the fire-fighters slipped and fell on top of me,” said Colr. Campbell laughing.

“I’d really like to thank the ambulance service and the fire service for everything they did - I am very grateful. I’d also like to thank Colm Moore and Brian Friel for stopping and helping me,” he added.

Colr. Campbell’s ankle is now in a cast and his injuries were so severe that he could require surgery. However, despite his bad fortune he said he is determined to return to helping constituents as soon as possible.

“I am house bound at the minute but I’ll be doing everything to get up and about as soon as I can. I was helping people over the weekend who were affected by the flooding in Ballymagowan - helping them is my priority,” he said.